The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines – Panay Chapter Inc. (ICP-PCI) held the F2F Annual General Assembly on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Days Hotel, Iloilo City. The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines is the accredited integrated professional organization of registered chemists and registered chemical technicians under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The ICP is concerned with matters related to the professional practice of Chemistry and other legal aspects and works closely with the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry of the PRC (https://www.icp.org.ph/).
From 2021 to 2022, ICP-PCI was under the leadership of its President, Assoc. Prof. Jay O. Martizano, and Vice President Norwell Brian C. Bautista, both from the Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Visayas. More than half of the members of this prestigious organization are graduates and faculty of UP Visayas.
In attendance at the general assembly were 64 registered chemists and chemical technicians comprising the strong work force in the academic and research institutions, as well as in the government and industries in Panay Island.
A lively discussion on the experiences and challenges encountered in the application of Certificate of Authority to Operate (CATO) of laboratories were shared by the panel discussants, Roxzien Shaye Sesbreño (DOST), Lyra Monta (EMB-R6), and Irene Velado (Boracay Water Corp.).
Furthermore, Ms. Lyka Monserrat, representative of Shimadzu, presented some updates on GC MS/MS and LC MS/MS, while Acd. Prof. Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, President of ICP-National, reported on the different activities and involvement of the ICP at the national level. Dr. Dayrit also invited everyone to the upcoming webinar titled “Careers in Chemistry: Careers in the Central Science,” on February 13-14, 2023, via Zoom. The Chemistry Profession Act (RA 10657), Ethics in Chemistry, and Careers in Chemistry are among several topics that will be highlighted in the webinar.
Dr. Dayrit also enjoined everyone to attend the 37th Philippine Chemistry Congress (PCC) at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City, on July 26-28, 2023. The theme for the 37th PCC is “Chemistry for Agriculture 4.0 and Food Security.”
Other highlights of the General Assembly are the President’s and Treasurer’s reports and the election of the new set of officers for 2023-2024. Elected to serve are as follows: President: Robert Magdaug (WVSU); Vice President: Roxzien Shaye Sesbreño (DOST); Secretary: Zenith Villorente (Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc.); Asst. Sec: Athenes Joy Presno-Aban (PSHS-WV); Treasurer: Marjorie Carisma (USA); Asst. Treas: Ann Selma Morata (UPV); Auditor: Carmen Gabrielle Alianza (PNP); Asst. Auditor: Norwell Brian Bautista (UPV); Business Mgr.: Irene Velado (Boracay Water, Corp.); Asst. Business Mgr.: Azalia Panizales (EMB-R6); Press Relations Officer: Arjay Janre Yu (WVSU-MC); Asst. PRO: Mizpah Villalobos (CPU); PCO: Hannah Mae Arganioza (SEAFDEC-AQD); Associate Member Rep: Lex Aliko Balida (USA).
